( Dogen’s Instructions for the Cook – XXVI)
My view is just my view, but is one that is sometimes criticized by Buddhists of a more literal or traditional bent … who often tell me that my beliefs and comments will land me next life reborn as a wild fox, or perhaps in a Buddhist Hell.
According to Professor Foulk, the first
reference here is to “thefamous story of a poor old woman who made an offering to Buddha of the waterthat she had used to rinse rice and, as a result, was reborn as a deva or humanfor fifteen kalpas [long ages], gained a male body [typically necessary for Budhahood in traditional Buddhism], and eventually became a buddha herself” … the second is about “
(I mean, one may not need to take literally every belief of ancient Buddhism … such as that belief about women, still felt in some corners of Buddhsm)
As for the [proper]attitude in preparing food offerings and handling ingredients, do not debatethe fineness of things and do not debate their coarseness, but take asessential the profound arousal of a true mind and a respectful mind.
Have you not seen thata single bowl of starchy water, offered to Him of the Ten Names, naturallyresulted in wondrous merit that carried an old woman through future births; andthat half a crabapple fruit, given to a single monastery, enabled King Ashokafinally to establish his vast good karmic roots, gain a prediction, and bringabout a great result? Although they create a karmic connection with the Buddha,[donations that are] large and vacuous are not the same as [ones that are]small and sincere. This is the practice of a [true] person.
From: Tenzo Kyokun - Instructions for the Cook by Eihei Dogen - Translated by Griffith Foulk
posted November 18, 2009 at 10:12 am
Thank you Jundo, “here and now”.
Gassho Kent
posted November 18, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I agree with the “here and now” sentiment. I think it should be enough to follow our more immediate concerns in order to guide ourselves. The future is easily over-valued.
Thanks,
Cam
posted November 19, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Hi, Jundo -
Here & now is where it’s at. Even as a former Catholic, I always had my doubts about the “pie in the sky when you die” theory.
Thank you for your insightful talks.
Gassho
posted November 20, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I am not so sure the mysteries of the universe surrender themselves to us so easily.
But if we knew everything, immediately, where would the fun of discovery be, right?
gassho